Who decides how the Girl Scout Cookie Sale money is spent and how the sale is run?
Each council is responsible for funding the Girl Scout program in its jurisdiction. Councils get support from many community sources, including individual donors and federated funders such as United Way. The cookie sale program activity produces program-related revenue that is also an important source of income for each council. Within the council, a volunteer committee recommends the cookie sale procedures and retail price. The volunteer board of directors accepts or modifies these recommendations. The board then delegates to the executive director of the council the responsibility for managing a successful cookie sale, which she does with the assistance of council volunteers and staff.

Why does some of the income from the Girl Scout cookie sale program activity go to the council?
Girl Scout councils use cookie sale program activity proceeds to provide property upkeep, essential services to groups and individual girls. All of the program resources, adult development materials, and communication support that a group receives come through the council structure. The council underwrites program scholarships, wider opportunities, and special events throughout the year. This keeps fees for girls and volunteers to a minimum and ensures high-quality, safe experiences for all.

How much money goes to the local groups?
In 2000, an average of $.48 per box sold was retained by the group. Groups retained a total of $816,634. Funds are held in the group treasury, groups and girls set goals and determine how to spend the money. Therefore, girls benefit from the cookie sale program activity not only by participating in council-sponsored activities, but by earning money for group projects.

How much money goes to the national organization?
All the money girls earn by selling Girl Scout cookies remains in the local council where the cookies were sold. The national Girl Scout organization receives a royalty from the bakers of Girl Scout cookies for the use of the Girl Scout name and service mark.

How can I obtain more information about the cookie sale?
Contact Pattie Dash, Director of Operations at 410.358.9711, ext. 232 or email pdash@gscm.org with specific questions.  

General information provided to families - each year GSCM mails the awards program details and information related to the sale to families the end of August. The mailing for the 2001/2002 cookie sale program activity will be mailed August 27, 2001.

Is there tax on Girl Scout Cookies?
The Girl Scout cookie sale is a program activity that also helps fund the important work of Girl Scouting. Because the sale is substantially related to the Girl Scout mission, it is free of taxes in the state of Maryland.

What is the original Girl Scout cookie recipe?
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES
1 cup of butter or substitute
1 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 ½ cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
Cream butter and sugar. Add well-beaten eggs, then milk, flavoring, salt, flour, and baking powder. Chill. Roll thinly, cut out, and bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle sugar on top. This amount makes six to seven dozen.  

How does the cookie sale program activity benefit the community?
In addition to the direct benefits realized by girls selling the cookies, such as increased self-confidence and skill development, the growth and satisfaction of its girls and women derive the benefits to the greater community. Buying cookies is the community’s way of showing support for its children and their abilities as future leaders of the community.

What is the role of the parents, guardians and other family members in the cookie sale?
First of all, parents must give permission for their daughters to participate in the cookie sale program activity. Parents and other family members often help Girl Scouts during the cookie sale. They provide transportation, for example, or assist adult volunteers in conducting the sale. Girl Scouts of Central Maryland encourages parents to work in partnership with their daughters, supporting girls in their sales activities so they may take full advantage of the learning experiences offered.

How does the cookie sale relate to the Girl Scout program?
The cookie sale is part of the Girl Scout program. It helps girls develop self-confidence and teaches them important skills such as goal setting, money management, and teamwork. The sale is a Girl Scout program activity that's integral to the Girl Scout program, which helps girls form all segments of society realize their full potential and become resourceful citizens. In Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, proceeds from the cookie sale are used to provide Girl Scouting to 28,257 girls and to provide training and support services to 8,618 adult volunteers. In addition, the cookie sale program activity helps to fund membership outreach, which helps GSCM to bring Girl Scouting to Every Girl Everywhere.

Do all girls sell cookies? Is it required?
Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale is voluntary. Every girl who participates in this program activity must have a signed permission form from her parent or guardian. GSCM had 1,759 groups participate in the 2000/2001 sale.  

What do girls learn from selling cookies?
For many girls, the cookie sale is their first experience in setting goals and working with others in a team. Girls learn to meet and greet people, keep accurate financial records, and follow through on a promise to deliver the cookies people ordered. Girls have fun while building self-confidence and learning important life skills.  

How do girls feel about participating in the cookie sale?
Most girls look forward to the annual cookie sale program activity. They know that proceeds from the sale will help support their activities during the rest of the year. Each girl is challenged to do the best she can do to achieve a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing she contributed to her group and her council. Girls, however, are not required to sell.

Why are there awards for girls to sell?
Awards play a role in recognizing efforts and in encouraging girls individually and in-groups. Some councils offer awards in the form of credit to be applied to Girl Scout program fees or Girl Scout equipment purchases. In this way, girls benefit twice - once from the learning experiences of cookie selling and again by earning credit toward more program activities. See your group leader for GSCM’s Earned Awards Program.

We don’t see many girls going door-to-door anymore. Why?
Girl Scouts certainly do sell Girl Scout Cookies door-to-door. They also sell Girl Scout Cookies through the increasing popular "cookie booths" and through phone calls to previous cookie customers. A list of groups selling at cookie booth sales is available in October/November of each year on GSCM's web site and by contacting GSCM directly for information.

How much are Girl Scout cookies?
$3.00 per box

Are there any new cookies or changes?
Yes. There are two cookies for 2001-2002. The All Abouts and the Olé Olé.

Can individual girls (who are not members of a group) sell Girl Scout cookies?
Individual girls can not sell Girl Scout cookies by themselves, however, GSCM encourages individually registered girls to participate in the cookie sale program activity and sell cookies with a group in their geographic area.

Refer to Safety-Wise. In no case does the income from group money-earning activities become the property of individual girl members." The only exception that Girl Scouts of Central Maryland makes for an individually registered girl to participate and sell Girl Scout cookies is IF the girl’s order is processed with a group in the community. The girl is only eligible for the awards items earned. If the girl is a Cadette or Senior Girl Scout and her sales are combined with that of an older girl group which decides to "opt" out of the awards for additional monies the girl is only eligible for the patch earned.

How do I obtain assistance via email?
GSCM has a general cookie mailbox: cookies@gscm.org. Pattie Dash will respond to all inquiries. To contact Pattie Dash personally email her at pdash@gscm.org.

How can I verify registration of groups, girls, Troop Cookie Managers and Group Leaders?
Contact your Membership Specialist or assigned Community Registrar for a complete roster of registered members. If you need assistance contacting the assigned Membership Specialist for your area contact GSCM at 410.358.9711 or toll free 800.492.2521 or feel free to check out the Employee Directory on our web site (add a link here for them).

Must my group participate in the cookie sale in order to participate in other fundraising activities?
Yes, refer to the Troop Cookie Manager Workbook. Adult members are encouraged to promote and support fund-raising efforts of the council and the United Way. Groups eligible to participate in council-wide product sales are expected to do so. Prior approval is required for additional fund-raising activities." Please review Safety Wise Guideline; regarding voluntary participation. Girl Scouts of Central Maryland in no way forces girls/groups to participate in the annual cookie sale, however, failure to do so results in the groups inability to conduct other fund-raising activities. Contact your Membership Specialist for further details.

Can my group participate in other fundraising activities during the cookie sale?
NO. Since the United Way Campaign is conducted in the fall of each year Girl Scouts of Central Maryland obtains special permission to conduct our cookie sale. In accordance with United Way guidelines it is necessary for Girl Scouts of Central Maryland to support that agency and not allow our groups to conduct other fund-raising activities until after December 1^st of each Girl Scout year.

What if a TCM refuses to take training but wants the materials?
All TCMs (or Group Leaders) are required to attend training. Each community is expected to offer an experienced and new training and/or provide one on one training that works into both volunteers’ schedules. A signed job description must be signed and forwarded to GSCM as well.

What if a group does not inform the Community Cookie Manager (CCM) of a group transfer?
At final report time each CCM reviews all final reports, therefore, at that time the CCM identifies the transfer and adjusts the report accordingly.

What does the Troop Cookie Manager (TCM) sign at the cookie depot (this is the location where TCMs pick up the group's initial cookie order) to indicate they received the cookies?
The TCM signs the CCMs NS-1, Community Cookie Manager Order Form. In turn, the CCM signs the TCMs T1-A.

Will we receive bags for booth sales?
GSUSA will not allow councils to seek partners in the community to offset costs for fundraising events. You could have your girls decorate white 12lb bags for their customers. This will be one of the activities at the Girl Rally.

Can I email my NS-1 form to GSCM to verify my community preorders? (CCM Question)
Yes, email the form to cookies@gscm.org.or fax the form to 410.358.9918. New this year, an online method to place cookie orders will be available for Community Cookie Managers, refer to the CCM Workbook for more details.

If the TCM does not deposit all of the money does the group ever see the group profit?
GSCM’s policy is that groups pay the council first. TCMs are required to deposit or turn over all group proceeds earned by the group per the Group Leaders instructions. Should the TCM fail to pay GSCM or the group in full, GSCM will seek reimbursement from the responsible party up to and including legal action as necessary. GSCM reserves the right to charge interest and a penalty fee on outstanding balances. It is strongly recommended that in any outstanding debt situation that the delinquent Account Procedures and form provided in the Troop Cookie Manager Workbook be followed. Also, each debt is reviewed by the Director of Operations and handled on a case by case basis. No claims will be accepted after March 1, 2002 for parent debts. The TCM will be held responsible for any unsold cookies. Refer to the TCM Workbook for more information.

Can a community/group sign out a cookie costume for the whole time of the sale?
No, GSCM has a limited quantity that the bakery provides. Groups may contact Trina Weathers at 410-358-9711, extension 203 or email her at tweathers@gscm.org to reserve costumes.

Is it necessary to have permission from parents for girls to participate in booth sales since we obtain a G-1, Parent Permission Slip?
Yes, you must obtain parental permission for all activities outside the group meeting setting. The G-1 is permission for the girl to participate but does not cover booth sale locations/dates. Refer to Safety Wise. The general permission form may be requested from the Volunteer Resource Center.

Does each girl receive a Gift of Caring Patch?
No, only girls participating in the program earns the patch. Refer to the TCM Workbook or GSCM's web site for additional information about this program.

What does a TCM do if deposit slips are lost?
Contact David Smith, Controller for Girl Scouts of Central Maryland by e-mail at dsmith@gscm.org or call 410-358-9711, extension 231. He will need to know the exact amount and date of the transaction to order a copy. There will be a $5.00 - $10.00 fee per transaction that the TCM must pay.

Are the Cookie Sale Activity Pins free?
Each year GSUSA provides an activity sheet for the cookie sale program activity. The activity pins are purchased through the GSCM Store, and cost $.50 each. Check with the GSCM Store for availability of prior year pins.

When is the latest that a group can participate in the cookie sale?
The 2001/2002 cookie sale program activity is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2001 and ends on November 30, 2001. Groups/girls are eligible to participate upon training anytime during the sale period. All groups and girls must be properly trained to participate, contact GSCM or the assigned Community Cookie Manager for more information. GSCM will offer a group level training in September, refer to the calendar for more details.

What happens if a group still owes from a prior sale? Can they sell?
Yes, the group may still participate in the current sale; however, IF the group leader or TCM is responsible for the debt that individual may not handle money for the group. Another TCM must be appointed. Girls are never penalized for adult actions. Therefore, if the debt is due because of a parent, that child can still sell but it is recommended that the child only participate in booth sales.

How do I find out the boundaries for my community and the surrounding areas?
Contact your Membership Specialist or the Volunteer Resource Center for a map. GSCM offers maps for each community based on community profiles developed. For the purpose of cookie sales ONLY GSCM identifies booth sale locations by zip code area. Refer to guidelines in TCM and Booth Sale workbooks. It is strongly recommended that each community recruit a booth sale coordinator to avoid issues in the community. Groups may only sell at locations within their own community unless permission is obtained from the community to sell. If you feel there is a discrepancy, alert your Membership Specialist for clarification.

How do I reach my membership specialist via email?
You may reach any staff member at GSCM by typing the first initial of their first name and spelling out their last name @gscm.org. For example, Pattie Dash, PDASH@gscm.org, Valerie Harford, VHARFORD@gscm.org – also refer to the employee directory located on our web site.

Are cookies tax deductible?
The answer is NO. "People who purchase Girl Scout cookies are not making a contribution to Girl Scouting. Rather, they are purchasing a product at a fair market value. For this reason, no part of the price of a box of cookies is tax deductible." GSCM is not in a position to give advice related to this topic; all inquiries regarding deductible items should be done with your personal tax advisor.

What is the T-1B for on the T-1A form?
GSCM does not use that portion of the form, discard it.

What is my "association" number on the T-1A form?
GSCM does not use that portion. Our organization is broken up into areas/communities, not Associations. For example, Howard County is the area and 654 is a community within that area.

Is it mandatory to use the T-11, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Parent/Guardian Receipt?
Yes. Should a dispute develop between the group and the parent for an outstanding debt it is necessary that the TCM/Group Leader provide record of payment. The T1-A and T-11 allow adequate documentation to support payments received from parents. In the event a TCM/Group Leader do not use this form and a parent insists they have paid the TCM/Group Leader will be held financially responsible. Help us protect you by insisting that this form be used at all times.

Can I pick up cookies by the box from cupboards?
This year three cupboard locations are offering TCMs the opportunity to pick up cookies by the box after a specific date. (Refer to the cupboard roster provided at training for more information.)  

How does the general public find out about booth sale opportunities?
Each group conducting a booth sale must fill out the B/S-1 form and submit the form(s) to their assigned CCM or Booth Sale Coordinator who will in turn submit the compiled B/S-3 form to GSCM to announce to the general public. This information is posted on our web site during the cookie sale and/or by contacting GSCM for information. GSCM offers this information to the general public to promote sales in the community.

Can our group collect money when we take orders?
NO, money is collected from customers at the time of delivery.  

If a girl leaves the group before the cookie profit is spent, does she get the money?
No, in no case does the income from product sales become the property of the individual girl members.